Art is all that matters

Artwork titled Valimai, that’s part of the 13-piece exhibit

The pandemic wasn't easy, but it was good to know that I had a show to work towards because it was the kick I needed to hunker down and just work, work and work," admits Goa-based artist and illustrator Osheen Siva. Kala Ghoda's Method Art Gallery is currently home to 13 artworks by Siva that are a part of her first-ever solo exhibition, titled Inflorescence. Over the past few years, Siva has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, harbouring a style and vision that showcases strong themes of femininity, surrealism and cultural identity. Her ongoing show approaches these concepts too, while also bringing to the fore her Dalit-Tamilian heritage, that she proudly portrays throughout the collection.

Siva has also painted the walls of the art gallery

"The overarching themes are speculative fiction, sci-fi, Afro-futurism, under-represented communities and most importantly, self-realisation. I had to excavate my personal history with my parents, just to gain a better understanding of who I am and where I come from, which I consciously made the foundation of the show," she tells us. "I started working on the first piece called Wottrumai [or togetherness in Tamil] at the beginning of the year, and it took me until the week before we opened to finish working on the last piece, Inai [or unite in Tamil]," the 27-year-old adds.

Osheen Siva

A look-through of the artwork series reveals Siva's keen interest in mythological reinterpretation, visible in pieces like , combined with futuristic elements like the spiked collar in the piece Wottrumai, that serve as a sharp contrast to the vibrant traditional elements.

"I would like anyone who sees the show to understand that different types of art exist in India. I refuse to be categorised as a psychedelic artist. I want people to look past the bright colours and engage with the themes of the work. Finally, I hope to inspire art students to express themselves and create, create and create, because, at the end of the day, that's all that really matters," she signs off.

Till: September 12
At: Method Art Gallery, 86, Nagindas Master Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort
Call: 9930714562